What Is The Data Breach Compensation Claims Process?

In today’s digital age, data breaches are becoming increasingly common, leaving individuals vulnerable to identity theft, financial loss, and other consequences. With the rise in data breaches, it’s essential to understand what the data breach compensation claims process is, and who could be eligible to claim.

If you’ve been a victim of a data breach, you may be entitled to compensation for the harm caused. However, navigating the claims process can be complex and intimidating, especially if you’re not familiar with legal procedures.

data breach compensation claims processThis guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the data breach compensation claims process. It will explain how wrongful action by an organisation could expose your personal data and what evidence might be useful in proving your claim. The guide will also provide information on how to find a No Win No Fee solicitor, who can help you pursue data breach compensation without any upfront costs.

Additionally, the guide will cover what damages you could claim for, including financial losses, emotional distress, and any other harm caused by the data breach. Overall, this guide aims to provide clear and concise information to help you understand your rights and navigate the data breach compensation claims process. If you have any questions, or would like an advisor to check your claim, please get in touch.

Who Might Need To Know About The Data Breach Compensation Claims Process?

In an age where personal data is increasingly valuable, organisations must protect the data they collect under the Data Protection Act 2018. This law requires organisations to handle personal data in a responsible manner, ensuring that it is accurate, up-to-date, and securely stored. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in significant penalties, including fines and legal action.

When organisations fail to protect personal data, wrongfully exposing it, individuals can become eligible to make a data breach compensation claim for the harm it causes them. 

If you suspect that your personal data has been breached, the first step is to check whether you are eligible to make a data breach compensation claim. This involves reviewing the circumstances of the breach, including the type of data that was breached and how it was breached. If you believe that the organisation was responsible for the breach, you may be able to make a compensation claim.

How Long Do I Have To Start The Data Breach Compensation Claims Process?

The time limit to start the data breach compensation claims process can vary depending on the type of claim and the circumstances of the breach. In general, under the Limitation Act 1980, individuals have up to six years from the date of the breach to make a claim for compensation. However, it is important to note that in some cases, the time limit may be shorter, such as when the breach involves a breach of human rights.

What Types Of Data Breach Could Happen?

Here are some examples of different types of organisations that could reach your data, the type of data they could expose, and the potential harm you could suffer as a result:

  1. Retailers often collect personal data from customers, including names, addresses, and credit card information. A data breach in a retailer’s system could expose this information, potentially leading to financial loss if the information is used for fraudulent purposes.
  2. Healthcare providers collect sensitive personal data, including medical records and insurance information. A data breach in a healthcare provider’s system could expose this information, potentially leading to identity theft or medical fraud.
  3. Financial institutions collect personal data from customers, including account numbers and national insurance numbers. A data breach in a financial institution’s system could expose this information, potentially leading to financial loss if the information is used for fraudulent purposes.
  4. Social media platforms collect personal data from users, including names, addresses, and other personal information. A data breach in a social media platform’s system could expose this information, potentially leading to identity theft or online harassment.
  5. Government agencies collect personal data from people, including tax information. A government data breach could expose this information, potentially leading to identity theft or fraud.

The harm that can result from a data breach can be significant, including financial loss, emotional distress, and damage to reputation. It is important to take steps to protect your personal data and to seek legal advice if you believe that your data has been breached.

How Could A Breach Occur?

There are many different actions that an organisation could take that might lead to a data breach and the exposure of personal data. Here are some examples:

  1. Suppose an organisation does not have adequate cybersecurity measures in place, such as firewalls or encryption. In that case, it may be vulnerable to hacking attacks that can lead to the theft of personal data.
  2. Employees or contractors of an organisation may inadvertently expose personal data by, for example, sending an email to the wrong recipient, leaving a device containing personal data in a public place, or falling for a phishing scam.
  3. Employees or contractors with access to personal data may intentionally steal or leak the data for personal gain or to harm the organisation.
  4. An organisation may share personal data with third-party vendors or partners, who may experience their own data breaches that lead to the exposure of personal data.
  5. Technical glitches or malfunctions in an organisation’s system could lead to the accidental exposure of personal data.

It is important to note that in some cases, the data breach may be caused by deliberate or negligent actions of the organisation or its employees, which could make the organisation liable for damages. If you suspect that your personal data has been breached, it is important to seek legal advice to determine whether you may be eligible to make a data breach compensation claim.

Data Breach Compensation Claims Process For Claiming Damages – How Much Could I Receive?

In a data breach compensation claim, there are two main types of damages that a claimant may be able to seek: material damages and non-material damages.

Material damages refer to financial losses or expenses that are directly related to the data breach, such as costs associated with identity theft or credit monitoring services. 

Non-material damages, on the other hand, refer to intangible harm that the individual may have suffered due to the data breach. This can include emotional distress, loss of privacy, or damage to reputation. 

Calculating Damages For Non-Material Harm

The Judicial College Guidelines provide a framework for legal professionals to use in assessing compensation for non-material damages, including distress caused by a data breach. The Guidelines list several factors could be taken into account when assessing the level of damages, including the severity and duration of the distress, the impact on the claimant’s life, and any medical or psychological evidence presented.

Furthermore, the Guidelines provide a range of potential compensation amounts based on the severity of the distress. For example, for cases involving minor distress after a data breach, the recommended range is between £1,540 to £5,860. However, for cases involving severe distress, the recommended range is between £54,830 to £115,730.  

While the Guidelines are not legally binding, they could provide a useful reference point for claimants and their lawyers when negotiating a settlement or pursuing a claim through the courts. Call an advisor for further guidance on how much your claim could be worth.


No Win No Fee Data Breach Compensation Claims Process – Start Your Claim With Our Help


A No Win No Fee agreement, also known as a Conditional Fee Agreement, is a common way for individuals to pursue a data breach compensation claim without paying any upfront fees for a solicitor’s work. Under this type of agreement, the claimant’s solicitor agrees to take on the case without charging for their work unless they successfully secure compensation for the claimant.

The process of claiming data breach compensation under a No Win No Fee agreement typically involves the following steps:

  1. Initial consultation: The claimant consults with a solicitor to discuss their case and determine whether they are eligible to make a claim.
  2. Evidence gathering: The solicitor collects evidence to support the claim, such as documentation of the data breach and any financial or emotional harm suffered by the claimant.
  3. Negotiation: The solicitor negotiates with the organisation responsible for the data breach to secure a settlement for the claimant.
  4. Court proceedings: If a settlement cannot be reached, the solicitor may represent them in court.

If the claim is successful, the claimant will receive compensation for their losses, and the solicitor will take a success fee. However, if the claim is unsuccessful, the claimant will not be responsible for paying for their solicitor’s work.

Should you wish to check whether you could claim compensation under such an agreement, why not get in touch? Furthermore, our panel of solicitors could take on eligible claimants under this type of agreement.

Further Insight Into The Data Breach Compensation Claims Process

 

Finally, we have provided some further reading material you may find useful.

Data Protection Online – Here, the ICO provides guidance on online data protection.

Data Security Incidents – Next, you can read ICO statistics on data security incidents.

Raise A Concern – You can find out more about raising concerns about data protection here.

Salary Data Breach Claims – Could you have a claim for a salary data breach – find out here.

Data Breach Calculator – Learn about claiming compensation and how much your claim could be worth.

Accidental Data Breach Compensation Claims – Finally, accidental data breaches are discussed here.